Colin was born in 1928 in Hebburn on Tyne, the youngest of four children. He grew up in the area and later moved to Washington, where he was still living at the time of interview.
He retired from a security firm in 1992 and, after a lifetime of good health, noticed lumps in his stomach. His GP considered them harmless ‘fatty lumps’, but Colin suspected worse due to the pain they were causing. He asked for a second opinion, saw a specialist, and was diagnosed with cancer. By this time, however, the disease had spread to his lungs and elsewhere.
Colin had surgery and was referred to hospice day care, of which he speaks very favourably, but he is also angry at his situation. He discussed living with cancer, his treatment, pain relief and the support he receives.
What did you think when your were offered hospice facilities?
"Well I thought it was good. I mean it’s quite a time I’ve been coming to the hospice now, maybe two years. I’ve had very good treatment. All the staff are very helpful and that, if you want anything they’re just, er, get it for you."
So what services does the day care offer you?
"Oh every, when you arrive by taxi you get greeted with a cup of tea and toast. And then one of the carers will come round and give you a face massage and that’ll go on for, till lunchtime, maybe. You have your lunch, then the carers have their little bit of lunch and then they come back. Then they do your feet, a little bit of reflexology, which does you the world of good."
How do you feel after you’ve had your face massaged?
"Oh, 10 years younger [chuckles].
